Getting there and getting around

Maps

Tamborine Mountain is about 80 km south of Brisbane via Beenleigh and Tamborine Village or via the Pacific Highway and Oxenford–Tamborine Road.

Travelling north from the Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain is 36 km from Southport via the Pacific Highway and Oxenford–Tamborine Road or 28 km from Nerang via Nerang–Beaudesert Road. From Canungra, take Tamborine Mountain Road for 8 km.

Please note the following important access information:

The steep, narrow roads from Nerang and Canungra are unsuitable for buses, trailers, caravans and trucks.

In the interest of safety, access to the Cedar Creek section is prohibited at night—see opening hours for further information. Gates are locked during closing time.

Wheelchair accessibility

The Cedar Creek walking track as far as the lookout is suitable for assisted wheelchair access. The toilets and picnic areas at Cedar Creek, The Knoll and Witches Falls are accessible for wheelchairs with assistance. Be aware that the picnic area at Cedar Creek can get quite boggy after rain.

Park features

Tamborine National Park protects areas of rainforest. Photo courtesy of the Queensland Museum.

Visitors may catch a glimpse of the elusive Albert's lyrebird. Photo: Queensland Government.

The Witches Falls section of the park was declared in 1908, making it Queensland's first national park. Over the years additional reserves have been declared and today the park is made up of 14 sections of land on the Tamborine plateau and surrounding foothills.

The park protects remnants of Tamborine Mountain's plant communities and includes areas of rainforest with distinctive piccabeen palm groves, wet eucalypt forest dominated by tall flooded gums, open forest with bracken fern understorey and woodland. These plant communities provide essential wildlife habitat in a landscape almost entirely surrounded by urban and rural development.

Tamborine Mountain escarpment hosts 85 percent of all animal species and 65 percent of all plant species found in the Gold Coast City area. Some common animals seen in the national park include Australian brush-turkeys, scrubwrens, pademelons and one of the world’s largest skinks, the land mullet. Catch a glimpse of the near threatened Albert’s lyrebird or hear it mimicking calls of other birds, particularly during the winter months. The Richmond birdwing butterfly and one of the rainforest’s most colourful birds, the noisy pitta, migrate seasonally to the park from nearby higher altitude rainforests.

Basalt columns, cliffs, rocky outcrops and waterfalls are a lasting legacy of volcanic eruptions 23 million years ago. Tamborine is the most northerly remnant of the flows from a volcano centred on Mount Warning (Wollumbin).

Camping and accommodation

Camping

To protect the natural values of this park, camping is not permitted in the national park. There are private campgrounds on Tamborine Mountain. See the tourism information links for more information.

Other accommodation

There is a wide range of holiday accommodation on Tamborine Mountain, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and cabins. For more information see the tourism information links.

Things to do

Take in spectacular views from numerous lookouts, such as this one at The Knoll section. Photo: Queensland Government.

Have a picnic or barbecue at Cedar Creek or one of the many other day-use areas. Photo: Mark Patenaude, Queensland Government.

Enjoy a walk along one of the many walking tracks, such as the Curtis Falls track in the Joalah section. Photo courtesy of Jodie Bray.

Tamborine National Park offers many opportunities for visitors to explore and enjoy the natural surrounds.

Start your visit at the Tamborine Mountain Visitor Information Centre at Doughty Park, on the corner of Geissman Drive and Main Western Road, North Tamborine; open 10.00 am to 3.30 pm on weekdays and 9.30 am to 3.30 pm on weekends.

Walking tracks

Walking tracks are provided in six sections of Tamborine National Park. Most walking tracks are short and can be walked within a few hours. The walks are relatively easy although some tracks have short, steep sections. If you are walking with young children, or if you are birdwatching or taking photographs, allow extra time.

Each walking track is classified according to a system based on Australian Standards, so you can choose a track suitable for your needs.

Cedar Creek section

Access to this section is prohibited at night in the interests of safety—see opening hours for more information. Signs have also been erected on-site to inform visitors of the closure details. It is important to note that the park closure is enforceable under the provisions of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and penalties may apply.

Access to this section is via Cedar Creek Falls Road. Near the start of the track are two large picnic areas surrounded by tall eucalypt forest. There is no access for large buses and motorhomes at Cedar Creek.

Details: Take a walk to Cedar Creek Falls lookout and admire views of the gorge, waterfalls and rock pools. The track to the lookout is suitable for stollers and assisted wheelchair access.

For your safety, please observe the restricted access area signs (PDF, 95K)* onsite and remain within the fenced walking track as access is not permitted to the area immediately above the waterfall and sections of the gorge, including some of the rock pools—penalties apply.

Details: From Cedar Creek Falls lookout, descend through eucalypt forest and dry rainforest to the rock pools below. This section from the lookout to the rock pools is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

For your safety, please observe the restricted access area signs (PDF, 95K)* onsite and remain within the fenced walking track. Access is not permitted to the area immediately above the top waterfall and sections of the gorge, including some of the rock pools—penalties apply.

If you are swimming in the permitted rock pools, please be aware that there are many hazards in natural waterways—serious injury or death can result from diving or jumping into pools.

Please be aware taking glass containers into the gorge and rock pool area is prohibited—penalties apply.

Palm Grove section

Palm Grove is named after the piccabeen palm Archontophoenix cunninghamiana that grows abundantly in this section. The main access point to this section is from Palm Grove Avenue. Parking for buses and caravans is not available. A picnic table is available at this site.

Here hoop pines, brush box and grey gums abound and you will visit a grove of ancient cycads.

Please remain on the track as there are steep cliff edges. Supervise children carefully.

Joalah section

Joalah is located at the headwaters of Cedar Creek and is accessible from both Eagle Heights Road and Dapsang Drive car park. A toilet block and large vehicle parking is provided at the car park. There are no picnic facilities at this site.

Enjoy views of Curtis Falls from the
lookout. Photo courtesy of Jodie Bray.

Distance: 1.1 km return

Time: Allow about 30 min walking time

Details: This enchanting walk begins in wet eucalypt forest beneath towering flooded gums. Notice a drop in temperature as the wet eucalypt forest merges into lush rainforest. Beautiful crows nest and staghorn ferns can be seen in the canopy above. The rock rool and surrounding basalt rock face provide important glow-worm habitat.

Access to the Curtis Falls rock pool and surrounding area is not permitted. This is for the safety of visitors and the protection of glow-worm and platypus populations. Observe the restricted access area notice (PDF, 108K)*.

Beyond the strangler fig the track is a class 4 walking track, with uneven surfaces, creek crossings that involve rock hopping and natural hazards likely to be present. Notice basalt boulders and columns on this creek-side rainforest walk.

The Knoll section

Access to this section is via Knoll Road. The parking area is small and not suitable for large vehicles. There are spectacular views to Flinders Peak and Brisbane from the northern edge of the picnic area.

Details: This walk features lush rainforest with towering trees emerging through the canopy. A 100 m track branches off through open eucalypt forest to Cameron Falls lookout. On a clear day enjoy views across the valley to Mount Flinders and southern suburbs of Brisbane.

This track travels close to steep cliff edges. Please remain on the designated track, stay behind fences and supervise children at all times.

Witches Falls section

Witches Falls is Queensland’s first national park, declared in 1908. Access is via Main Western Road. Parking is suitable for larger vehicles at the southern end of the picnic area.

Details: Witches Falls circuit starts just beyond the commemorative shelter. The track zigzags down the mountain side pass a signed landslip area that requires walkers not to stop on this section of track, through an open forest of banksia trees and into rainforest with giant strangler figs. This circuit passes seasonal lagoons surrounded by piccabeen palm groves before reaching Witches Falls. After heavy rain the lagoons fill with water and spring to life with a variety of insect and frog species. Do not walk circuit in wet weather.

Witches Falls lookout can still be accessed during wet conditions via the northern half of the circuit.

The waterfall only flows after recent rain and is best viewed from the lookout platform, accessed via a 200 m detour from the main circuit.

Details: Branching off the Witches Falls circuit, this track leads to Witches Chase off Beacon Road, passing Witches Falls lookout and on through rainforest with large red cedar trees and eucalypt forest.

Return along the same track to re-join the Witches Falls circuit.

MacDonald section

This precious tract of subtropical rainforest was named after Miss Jessie MacDonald, who generously donated part of this area to become a national park in 1933. The car park is on Wongawallen Road, off Tamborine–Oxenford Road. There are no barbecues or toilets at this site.

Picnic and day use areas

There are several popular picnic and day-use areas in Tamborine National Park. No rubbish bins are provided at any of the areas—please take your rubbish home with you.

Cedar Creek section

Access to this section is via Cedar Creek Falls Road. Near the start of the track are two large picnic areas surrounded by tall eucalypt forest. A picnic shelter with assisted wheelchair access to tables, toilets, barbecues and parking for mini buses is provided. There is no access for large buses and motorhomes at Cedar Creek.

Palm Grove section

The main access point to this section is from Palm Grove Avenue. Parking for buses and caravans is not available. Picnic tables are the only facilities at this site.

Joalah section

Joalah is located at the headwaters of Cedar Creek and is accessible from both Eagle Heights Road and Dapsang Drive car park. A toilet block and large vehicle parking is located at the car park. There are no picnic facilities at this site.

The Knoll section

Access to this section is via Knoll Road. The parking area is small and not suitable for large vehicles. Picnic facilities include a large covered area, picnic tables and gas barbecues nestled among tall open forest. There are spectacular views to Flinders Peak and Brisbane from the northern edge of the picnic area.

Witches Falls section

Access to Witches Falls section is via Main Western Road. The picnic area in this section has electric barbecues, wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and toilets. Parking is suitable for larger vehicles at the southern end of the picnic area.

MacDonald section

The car park for this section is on Wongawallen Road, off Tamborine–Oxenford Road. There are no barbecues or toilets at this site. Picnic tables and a small covered area are provided at the park entrance. Other sections to visit

Other sections to visit

Lepiodzamia Grove section

Donated by Edwin Franklin and Frank Salisbury, this section is on the plateau edge and preserves a grove of cycads Lepidozamia peroffskyana, commonly known as shining burrawang. The cycad grove can be viewed from a small grassy area at the park entrance. Fossil records indicate that this species existed almost 300 million years ago. No facilities are provided at this site.

Panorama Point

At Panorama Point a fire management track leads into an area of tall open forest where grey gum, casuarinas, brush box and bloodwoods are common. On a clear day enjoy views of Moreton Bay and North Stradbroke Island. There are no facilities at this site.

Pirralilla section

Donated by Miss Kath Dobbie, this section is located opposite the fig tree roundabout on Long Road. Pirralilla is an important area of remnant rainforest, containing near threatened and threatened plant species. A community-led revegetation project demonstrates what can be achieved with local native species.

Horseriding

Horses may be ridden on specified forest trails in some sections of Tamborine National Park only. Most trails are easy-grade with some steep sections and natural hazards such as loose gravel.

Forest trails can be accessed from Beaudesert–Beenleigh Road or Tamborine Mountain Road. Horse float parking is available on road reserves at most access points.

Guided tours and talks

The Connect with Nature program offers a range of nature-based activities and events every season for adults, children and families in and around parks and forests throughout Brisbane, Western Scenic Rim and Gold Coast and hinterland.

The Connect with Nature schools program features environmental education activities run in Tamborine National Park. The program is designed to suit the school curriculum and gives students the opportunity to experience Queensland's natural environment and cultural heritage through ranger-guided activities.

Things to know before you go

Essentials to bring

No bins are provided. Bring rubbish bags to remove your rubbish and recyclables from the park.

Bring your own drinking water—this is not provided in the park. Creek water is unsuitable for drinking as it may contain organisms that can cause illness.

Gas barbecues are provided at Cedar Creek and The Knoll sections. Electric barbecues are provided at Witches Falls section. If you are planning to have a barbecue in other park sections, bring a gas or fuel stove.

Weather on the mountain can be unpredictable so take a raincoat and warm clothing at all times of the year.

Opening hours

With the exception of Cedar Creek section, Tamborine National Park is open 24 hours a day. For your safety, walk in daylight hours only.

Cedar Creek section

Access to Cedar Creek section is prohibited at night in the interests of safety. Signs have been erected onsite to inform visitors of the closure details. It is important to note that the park closure is enforceable under the provisions of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and penalties may apply.

Cedar Creek section has an entry gate which is closed and locked each evening.

Between 1 October and 31 March Cedar Creek section is open from 6 am to 8 pm. Between 1 April and 30 September it is open from 6 am to 6 pm. Access is prohibited outside these hours—penalties apply.

Permits and fees

Pets

Domestic animals (except for horses on designated forest trails) are not permitted in Tamborine National Park.

Climate and weather

At more than 500 m above sea level, Tamborine Mountain is consistently cooler than the adjacent lowland, with average daytime temperatures at 17 °C in winter and 25 °C in summer. Rainfall averages 1500 mm per year, most of which falls between December and April. Take a raincoat and warm clothing at all times of the year. For more information see the tourism information links.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available in North Tamborine, Canungra and nearby towns. For more information see the tourism information links.

Staying safe

Take care when using binoculars; steep track edges can be closer than you think. Photo; Robert Ashdown, Queensland Government.

Avoid bites, stings and scratches. Wear protective clothing and insect repellent to help prevent tick and other insect bites or stings, and scratches.

If you encounter a snake, keep a safe distance and calmly walk around it—do not disturb it.

Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat and long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days. Start longer walks at cooler times of the day and carry enough drinking water.

Walk safely. Stay on the tracks and follow signs carefully to avoid getting lost. Tell a friend about your walking plans and avoid walking alone. Tracks and steps can be slippery, especially after rain.

Take care of your property and personal safety. Thefts can occur in car parks. Do not leave valuables in parked cars.

Supervise children at all times, especially around lookouts and steep track edges. Do not allow children to run ahead.

Never dive or jump into water as it may be shallow or hide submerged obstructions.

For your safety, please note the following important access information:

In the interest of safety, access to Cedar Creek section is prohibited at night—see opening hours for further information. Gates are locked during closing time.

Park management

The Witches Falls section was declared on 28 March 1908, making it Queensland's first national park. Over the years additional reserves have been declared and today the park is made up of 14 sections of land on the Tamborine plateau and surrounding foothills.

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) manages Tamborine National Park under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to preserve and present the remarkable natural and cultural values of the area.